Jack Pettigrew facts for kids

John Douglas "Jack" Pettigrew (born 2 October 1943 – died 7 May 2019) was an Australian neuroscientist. A neuroscientist is a scientist who studies the brain and the nervous system. He was a professor at the University of Queensland in Australia. He also directed the Vision, Touch and Hearing Research Centre there.

Studying the Brain

Jack Pettigrew was very interested in how different animal brains work. He compared the brains of many birds and mammals. He used special methods to look closely at how brain cells connect. This helped him understand how brains are organized.

The Flying Primate Idea

One of his big ideas was the "flying primate hypothesis". This idea suggests that the brains of large bats (called megabats) are very similar to the brains of primates (like monkeys and humans). He thought they might have developed similar brain features.

How We See and Hear

Pettigrew focused a lot on how animals see, hear, and feel. He was the first to explain how our brains create stereopsis. This is how we see in 3D, using slightly different images from each eye. He found special brain cells that help us do this.

He later discovered that owls also have similar brain cells for 3D vision. This is amazing because owls developed this ability on their own, separate from mammals.

Brain Changes and Learning

Jack Pettigrew also studied how our brains can change and adapt. This is called neuroplasticity. He showed that even non-visual parts of the brain play a role in how the brain develops. This happens during a special time after birth called the "critical period". During this time, the brain is very flexible and learns quickly.

He also researched how our brains switch between seeing different things. This is called binocular rivalry. He found that this switching rhythm can be different in people with bipolar disorder.

Awards and Recognition

Jack Pettigrew's important scientific work earned him many awards.

• In 1987, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is a very high honor for scientists.
• In the same year, he also became a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
• In 2001, he received the Centenary Medal. This award recognized his great contributions to Australian society and science.

Beyond Science

Jack Pettigrew was not just a scientist. In the 1960s and 1970s, he was also a skilled rock climber.

• In 1965, he made a very famous climb.
• With three friends, he was the first to climb Ball's Pyramid.
• Ball's Pyramid is a huge volcanic rock that stands 562 meters (1,844 feet) tall. It is the tallest volcanic rock stack in the world!